A while back I wrote a post mentioning that I'd gravitated toward fine and even extra-fine nibs, and the many reasons to do so. But it seems I've... diversified my collection. My 15-pen collection now has a good mix of nibs ranging from UEF to BB, but if anything I have more broads than fines. … Continue reading Four reasons to love broad nibs
pens
The state of the collection (or why it’s good to stop and appreciate what you have)
One thing I probably don't say often enough is this: I am bloody chuffed with my pen collection. Sure, it's always waxing and waning. There's a gradual shift in emphasis from manufacturer to manufacturer, big to small, fine to broad, bright to monochromatic, and back again. Life would be boring if we weren't always pursuing … Continue reading The state of the collection (or why it’s good to stop and appreciate what you have)
The Pilot Prera kinda makes me wish I had smaller hands
I knew from the moment I opened the box that the Pilot Prera was way too small for me. This is not a big pen. It's not heavy either. It's all plastic, and with the included Pilot Black cartridge inserted, there's not even the extra couple of grams of a converter to help add a … Continue reading The Pilot Prera kinda makes me wish I had smaller hands
I hate the Rotring Newton
I love the German Bauhaus, utilitarian aesthetic. Braun, Junghans, those kinds of brands have built timeless, minimalist products that I covet. I would put r0tring in that list, too. I have a 600 mechanical pencil and ballpoint and I love them, with their matte hexagonal barrels, grippy knurling, precise manufacturing and no-nonsense attitude. And, although it … Continue reading I hate the Rotring Newton
Pilot Fermo: the thinking person’s Vanishing Point
To me, Pilot is a little bit like the Mafia. You try to escape, but they reel you back in. I have written at length about my love affair with the 912 FA, then reluctantly sold it when I admitted to myself that my grip doesn't suit flex. I bought, sold, bought and sold the … Continue reading Pilot Fermo: the thinking person’s Vanishing Point
The Karas Pens Starliner is ruining my reputation
Blast off I pride myself on my rational thought, my insight, my critical eye and my consistency. The new Reaktor Starliner pens from Karas Pens have made a mockery of that. But let's rewind. The Starliner and Starliner XL are two of the new 'Reaktor' budget pens from Karas Pens, whose Decograph I recently reviewed. … Continue reading The Karas Pens Starliner is ruining my reputation
Kaweco Dia2: my pen palate cleanser
I recently sold my trusty Kaweco AL Sport, leaving me with just one Kaweco: the Art Sport Alabaster. But it transpires that my Art was only destined to be lonely for a short while. The itch to experience the Kaweco Dia2, which I'd resisted since reading Rupert's excellent review, finally overtook me. And I'm glad … Continue reading Kaweco Dia2: my pen palate cleanser
The surprising ‘Skribent’ from Germany
It would be a lie to say I knew nothing about Cleo Skribent before unboxing this pen. Several of my United Inkdom colleagues have written about the brand and a few well-known UK retailers now stock it. But, as with a few other brands that have recently garnered some attention — like Diplomat — Cleo … Continue reading The surprising ‘Skribent’ from Germany
Weighing up the Namisu Ixion
The Ixion is a love-hate pen. I don't mean you either love it or hate it; I mean there are plenty of points on both sides of the argument. Let's start with the positive. Design-wise, it's handsome. The size and proportions are spot-on for most people, similar to a Lamy 2000 when capped. The decagonal … Continue reading Weighing up the Namisu Ixion
Nothing beats hands-on time: visiting Iguanasell, Madrid
This week I had the luck of travelling to Madrid on business. In case you didn't know, Madrid is home to Iguanasell, the improbably named pen/watch/lighter/accessories store from which I bought my Dialog 3 and various inks. I trekked my way down through the beautiful city in 25-degree heat to check out the showroom that … Continue reading Nothing beats hands-on time: visiting Iguanasell, Madrid
